What you get for the money: 4/1

Here we go with another reference to everyone's favorite real-estate-gone-wild network, HGTV: Ever seen the show What You Get For The Money? The name is fairly self explanatory, but here's the rundown: Each episode showcases properties from around the USA that are priced at a particular amount - for instance, one show might feature $500,000 homes in Portland, Austin, Los Angeles and Nashville.

The show is generally frustrating when you consider just how much more you could get almost anywhere else in the country compared to Southern California (though how many other areas can brag about our weather or scenic coastline?). In fact, the HGTV Web site has a cute little interactive game where you get estimated prices for the same house in various parts of the country.

We're re-purposing this idea today to show you what the same amount of money will buy you in various parts of South OC. We're featuring properties today that are currently up for sale and are asking approximately $700,000. We have controlled to eliminate properties with obviously inflated asking prices, and wrote our own (purposely cheesy) made-for-TV highlight of each property.

On to the fun...

Coto de Caza
1 Bogey Lane, 92679
Asking price: $719,000 ($312/sq ft)
Size: 3 beds, 3 baths, 2,304 sq ft
Previous sale: $709,500 in 2004
Highlight: $700k is your ticket through the gates of prestigious Coto de Caza. We're talking decked-out, professional kitchen here, plus a convenient location that's in walking distance of the Coto De Caza Club.

Dana Point
24531 Santa Clara Avenue, 92629
Asking price: $699,900-$749,900 ($430-$461/sq ft)
Size: 3 beds, 3 baths, 1,626 sq ft
Previous sale: $344,000 in 2000
Highlight: $700k won't quite get you a killer ocean view in Dana Point, but it will nab you this 3-bedroom condo on the ocean side of PCH. The complex has recently been renovated, and this end unit features a two-car garage and plenty of charm.

Laguna Niguel
148 Cameray Hts, 92677
Asking price: $699,900 ($384/sq ft)
Size: 3 beds, 3 baths, 1,825 sq ft
Previous sale: $210,000 in 1994
Highlight: A townhouse in the gated Bear Brand community of Cameray Pointe can be yours for $700k. This property has tons of upgrades (hello granite and stainless steel in the kitchen!), and is situated on a nice lot with a glass-enclosed patio for entertaining.

Lake Forest
24421 Peacock Street, 92630
Asking price: $699,900 ($289/sq ft)
Size: 4 beds, 3 baths, 2,423 sq ft
Previous sale: $336,000 in 1999
Highlight: $700k here will get you a spacious home that's as close to the lake as you can get without being on the water. Don't miss the spacious master suite and its cozy fireplace, its walk-in closet and the tastefully remodeled bathroom.

San Clemente
23 Camino Azulejo, 92673
Asking price: $704,900 ($298/sq ft)
Size: 4 beds, 3 baths, 2,367 sq ft
Previous sale: $765,000 in 2007
Highlight: If you've got $700k to spend, perhaps you'd like to trade it in for this Talega property that once sold for $950k at the peak of the real estate mania! It's got an open floor plan and nice backyard view of the hills, and the inside is ready for your special touches.